AUGUST 2018

2905 copies circulated free every month

Registered Charity Number 523146

www.hagleyvillage.org

THE JOURNAL OF THE HAGLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

32

HAGLEY DENTAL PRACTICE

PRACTICE MEMBERSHIP SCHEME AVAILABLE

D.DALBY BDS MFGDP(UK)P.GODBOLD BDS MFDS RCS(Eng)

Easy ParkingGroundfloor AccessChild Friendly PracticeHygienistImplants

HOURS MONDAY 8am - 4pm TUES & WED 8.30am - 5.30pm THURSDAY 9am - 7pm FRIDAY 8am - 2pm

Cosmetic DentistryOrthodontics

DenturesTooth Whitening

157 WORCESTER ROADHAGLEY

Nr. STOURBRIDGE01562 883177

New Patients welcome - children seen on NHS. Please ask for details

City and Guilds QualifiedInternal and External Work

Free Quotationprcarew@hotmail.com

www.pcarewpainting.co.uk

Paul Carew Painter & Decorator Mob: 07527545023Tel: 0121 5505462

Working across Stourbridge, Hagley, Kidderminster,Bewdley & surrounding areas.

• Fully Fitted Wardrobes & Office Units •• Purpose-Made Joinery •

• Replacement Doors & Windows •• Staircase Conversions •

• Hard Wood & Laminate Flooring Specialist •

M: 07798 902 987E: vlmcarpentry@hotmail.com

CARPENTRY SERVICESVLM

32

Document and Archive Storage

“STORE IT AWAY”For all those items you need - but never use

Moving House – Need Storage

(01384) 895948Cemetery Road, Lye, Stourbridge, W. Mids DY9 8DB

BALDWINS CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS

NOT JUST GOOD WITH NUMBERS

Providing a comprehensive range of Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Advisory Services to Individuals, Businesses, Companies and Charities

Contact: Nick Webb or Ian Williams

1st Floor Copthall House 1 New Road Stourbridge

DY8 1PH (Carpark via Union Street)

Tel: 01384 370060

E: nick.webb@baldwinandco.co.uk or E: ian.williams@baldwinandco.co.uk

Nick Webb or Ian Wilkins

E: ian.wilkins@baldwinandco.co.uk

54

54

HAGLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONPatron: The Viscount Cobham

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Please mention the Hagley Village News when replying to advertisements.HAGLEY VILLAGE NEWS is distributed FREE to households in Hagley. Advertising revenue pays for the printing but the Editor, Advertising Manager, Distribution Manager and distributors are all VOLUNTEERS.

THE HAGLEY VILLAGE NEWS ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SERVICE, PRODUCTS OR OTHERWISE OF ADVERTISERS IN THIS PUBLICATION.

FULL DETAILS – PLEASE SEE THE WEBSITE www.hagleyvillage.org and page 50

HAGLEY VILLAGE NEWS STAFF

CHAIRMAN TREASURER SECRETARY/AFFILIATIONS BOOKINGS OFFICER MAINTENANCE PR AND PUBLICITY HEALTH AND SAFETY

MEMBERS

Roger Seabury Nichola Trigg Annette Templar Sue Corlett Neville Smart Fran Evans Dan Quinn

Steve Colella

Rachel Jenkins

885578 887688 882145 07891 365290 883433 07811 178576 -

882996

07974 257172

EDITOR ADVERTISING DISTRIBUTION

Esther GittoesSue Holloway

David TrewinJan Tandy

editor@hagleyvillage.orgadvertising@hagleyvillage.org(07527 226383)884751886326

EDITORIAL AUGUST 2018

Welcome to August edition of Hagley Village News.

It’s that time of year when the kids are off on their school holidays, stuck for things to do with them? Look at our tips on page 17. It’s also BBQ time, why not pair this month’s recommended cocktail with your burgers and hot dogs, more on page 45. We also have some book favourites on the back page, perfect for your travels.

Are you looking to volunteer more? Hagley Helpline is looking for someone to volunteer in their offices. We are also still looking for an Editor of the Hagley Village News, express your interest by emailing editor@hagleyvillage.org

For those that are off abroad this summer, have a lovely holiday and for those at home enjoy the sunshine.

DID YOU KNOW?The Okunoshima island in Japan is inhabited by friendly bunnies, yes bunnies!

Esther GittoesEditor

76

MOWERCARELawnmowers serviced and repaired

Emergency call out availableGrounds maintained

Hedges cut

CALL NIGEL ECCLESTEL: 01384 827583 MOBILE: 07711 430824

Email: mowercare@yescomputers.co.uk

Bathroom and Kitchen InstallationsInternal Building Alterations Plumbing, TilingInterior Painting & Decorating

Local, Affordable, Reliable!Call Mark: 01562 910644 / 07884 008106

www.alternative-interiors.co.uk

Need an Electrician?• Extra sockets • Home or Office extensions • Lights fitted

• Portable Appliance Testing • Fault finding • Re-wires• Fuseboard upgrades • Electric vehicle charging points

• Electrical Reports for Landlords • Garden/Patio lightingNo Job too Small

Honest, local, friendly, reliable & tidy serviceDomestic & Commercial Electrical Installations

Call Ian for a free quote on 01562 883129 or 07886 483737

JSO Building ServicesOver 25 Years of Experience.

Fully Insured.Your Local Professional Builder.

Plans Drawn and Submitted. Friendly, Reliable, Prompt

Service.

Services We Provide:Extensions, Orangeries, Garage

Conversions, Plumbing, Carpentry, Roofing, Refurbishment,

Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades.

Follow us on facebookjsobuildingservices For free advice callM: 07964707950 or H: 01562 730640

76

VILLAGE INFORMATION

BROMSGROVE DISTRICT COUNCIL UPDATEThe summer is generally a quieter period but as I write the Hagley Air Quality Area proposed revocation is coming to Full Council on the 24th July.

Both ward councillors will be speaking against its revocation and calling for greater monitoring as well active measures to improve the general air quality along its route. The vast amount of traffic and design of the highway network should be enough evidence for the authority to withdraw the proposal to remove the AQMA status until there are tangible positive actions taken.

The threat from development in surrounding conurbations presents further pressures upon the A456 and A491 in Hagley. We continue to apply pressure upon WCC Highways in particular to recognise these pressures and support our calls for re-investment in the most constrained road junctions.

We are pleased to have supported a number of successful bids from the New Homes Bonus schemes over the past three years. The current bids are being considered and we wish the applicants all the very best luck.

We continue to keep a careful watch on the threat to our Greenbelt from eager developers and landowners. We expect to see more activity from BDC planners over the coming months as they consider the housing needs of both Bromsgrove and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Councillors Steve Colella (Hagley West) and Jenkins (Hagley East)

Hagley Parish Council UpdateThe long awaited summer weather is well and truly with us and as I write we are coming into the main summer holiday period. Please be aware that the office will be open subject to annual leave although the telephone and emails will generally be covered when the office isn’t open.

A few reminders which you may be interested in; firstly there are two remaining vacancies for Parish Councillors. We are looking for particular skills to support the council in ICT or Web development, would be great but are not absolutely necessary. There are also some allotment spaces available. In both cases if you’re interested please contact the clerks for more details.

Furthermore just a reminder that the Library continues to be supported by the Parish Council and during the summer holidays there are a number of activities for younger children, please drop by and ask the librarians for further details.

The dial a ride community bus is a further initiative we support and as a reminder is open to Hagley residents. The service has been well received and is an excellent way of keeping active and getting out and about. There are certain requirements, but to find out more please contact 0121 453 9682. The more that use it the longer the service will continue.

This time of year we receive complaints about hedges and shrubs overhanging pavements. We would ask that property owners ensure that these are maintained and kept within the boundary of their property.

Steve Colella – Chairman Hagley Parish CouncilContact us: clerk@hagleyparishcouncil.gov.uk or assistant-clerk@hagleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

98

R B Porter LtdOld Mill Garage, St Johns Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1YSTelephone: Office (01384) 396719 rbporterltd@hotmail.com

Extended Boiler Warranties Up to 10 years General Plumbing RequirementsServicing, Modifications and Repairs Chemical PowerflushingBoiler Changes Gas Safety ChecksLandlords Certificates Issued Domestic, Commercial & IndustrialEstablished 1961

Central Heating & Plumbing Specialists

5A Haybridge Ave, Hagley, Stourbridge, West Mids, DY8 2XG

98

VILLAGE INFORMATION

Hagley Neighbourhood Watch August updateThere has been a continued welcome increase in the presence of the Policing team in Hagley, including a recent demonstration of ‘Smart Water’. I’d also like to welcome PC Marc Ginder who has recently joined the Policing Team.

Have you remembered to tell your neighbours that you’re going on your holidays? Have you asked them to check your post and put back the bins? All simple measures to take so that you don’t come back to unwanted surprises.

During the warm weather please be vigilant as regards visitors especially when not expected. With windows and doors being kept open during hot weather we should be mindful of any opportunistic illegal entry.

Remember that there is the Hagley Neighbourhood watch page which can be followed and is a great way of being kept up to date between Village News updates.

Keep ‘em peeled as someone once said.

Joint Coordinators Steve Colella and Roger Seabury.

HAYBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOLWe find ourselves heading into the summer holidays at the end of a very busy and productive term. Students spent the Personal Challenge Week in early July taking part in a wide

range of exciting activities: outward bound in the Ardeche, France, visiting Geneva to see the world-famous CERN research centre and Hadron Collider and the United Nations, spending time in work experience, creating artistic displays, visiting historic buildings, universities, crown court, research centres and meeting guest speakers in social sciences.

Of course summer also means examinations and we would like to commend all of our students in Years 11, 12 and 13 who sat external exams – we are confident that their hard work and commitment will be rewarded when results are released in August. We thank our dedicated Exams team and invigilators for helping the process run so smoothly.

We look forward to returning to school refreshed and ready for another year of achievement and hard work. We will be focussing particularly on good citizenship – on the many small interactions that create a respectful and positive learning community and we will be supporting students in taking on positions of responsibility to lead by example.

We will be asking students in September to vote on the charities which we will support throughout the next academic year and expanding the work of our Mental Health Action Group, to maximise student involvement.

We wish all of our students, staff, parents and carers and neighbours in the Hagley area a very restful and refreshing summer break.

1110

Mitchell Roberts – TREE SURGERYAll tree work including:

Hedges Cut and Roots Ground Out, All Debris Removed,

Fully Insured, Over 20 years experience in Hagley area.

Free quote call 01562 630440 or 07837 787196

A.S.

Painter & DecoratorInterior and Exterior

Free EstimatesCleanliness Assured

13 Princess Crescent Hawne Park, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3QE

Mobile: 07730 477564

1110

Mobile number: 07813156010

1312

Clean and Simple“giving you time”

DOMESTIC & OFFICECLEANING SERVICES

OUR SERVICE IS MATCHED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS

www.cleanandsimple.org.uk

YOU CHOOSEFROM

‘ONE OFFS’OR

‘REGULAR’CLEANS

01384 377253

1312

VILLAGE INFORMATION

1514

HAGLEYHELPLINE886696Monday - Friday10am to 12 noon

1514

Andrew Bradley InteriorsYour local specialist in

carpets & curtains

Choose from an extensive range of carpet & cur-tain samples from leading manufacturers in the

comfort of your own home

Made to measure and fitted, all styles of blinds; Venetian, Roller, Vertical, Roman, Pleated,

including bespoke conservatory blinds

Re-upholstery service

Carpet, curtain & upholstery cleaning

A Family business with over 45 years of experience

47, Pinewoods Avenue, Hagley

Telephone: 01562 883197 Mobile: 07976 152479

Mobile 07748 941611

“HARBOUR VIEW COTTAGE”

HOLIDAY LET WITH WONDERFUL SEA VIEW

IN PICTURESQUE ABERDOVEY

SLEEPS FOUR

WEEKLY / SHORT BREAK STAYS

SORRY NO PETS

FOR INFORMATION CALL 07929 021993

1716

Mark LewisEnvironmental

ServicesProfessional Tree Surgery;

Pruning, Thinning, Felling, Reduction, Stump Grinding and PlantingSeasoned Logs For Sale

Ground Maintenance;hedges trimmed, lawns cut and edged, strimming, driveways and

patios (pressure washed), sites tidied. Woodchip supplied.

NPTC qualified and fully insured.Telephone Mark: 07789854473

Clent Dental Care2 Eton Walk, Hagley - 01562 884160 - www.clentdentist.com

Premier dental care –because you’re worth it …Our highly experienced and dedicated team can provide for you.....

● Our filling prices are from £48.00, Children’s fillings from £12

● Mercury free surgery – only white fillings available

● Ground floor access / easy parking● Same dentist every visit - friendly, relaxed

environment● Cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening, crowns, veneers● Orthodontics – tooth straightening, adults or

children. Clear/white appliances, obtain fast perfect results with no tooth extractions!

● Endodontics – root canal treatment/fillings - avoid tooth extractions

● Quality natural looking dentures● Hygienist● Smile makeovers● Straumann Implants - replace teeth permanently● Occlusal treatment – realigning how your

teeth fit together with clear plastic appliance - curing headaches, neck pain, tinnitus, tooth sensitivity.

See - www.bsos.org.uk● No waiting, tailored appointments to suit you.

Dr. N.W. Turner B.D.S. – 30 years experience

1716

1. Have a picnic in you’re back garden or the local park: Take the kids food shopping to help choose the lunch. Bring outside games and invite fellow parents and their children for a chilled out afternoon.

2. Get creative: Make a scrapbook with old photos, make cards and pictures to send to relatives or painting by numbers will keep them entertained.

3. Get baking: Time to make some sweet treats; cookies, cakes or muffins always go down a treat.

4. Make an assault course: For the kids that can’t keep still. Set out an assault course in the garden with cardboard boxes, bikes, garden chairs and perhaps a waterslide?

5. Plant some seeds: Whether it be a garden patch, a herb patch or maybe just potting some plants. It’s a great way to get the kids outside and immersed in the nature.

6. Write a story or a summer diary: Get their imagination running wild by asking them to create a story or to keep a diary of their summer holidays.

7. Make a map and host a scavenger hunt: Why not ask your kids to make you a scavenger hunt where they have to make the map and the clues for you. Or perhaps make one for them.

8. Pick your own fruit and veg: There is nothing more exciting than picking your own fruit and veg with the youngsters.

9. Head to the local library for a summer read: Get them into reading by choosing their summer read at the local library, look out for events hosted here too.

10. Build a den: Whether it’s indoors with a duvet and loads of cushions, or outdoors with sticks and leaves, this will be sure to keep them entertained.

to keep the kids

entertained during the

summer holidays

10 WAYS

1918

w: www.amdgas.co.uk | t: 01562 886190 | m: 07936 326730

a Boiler & central heating installation, service & repair.

a Gas fires, cookers, ovens & hobs.

a Gas safety inspections & certificates.

a Bathroom & wet room installation.

a Taps, sinks, wash basins, baths & showers.

a All plumbing maintenance & repairs.

Heating & Plumbing Specialists for your Home and Business

No job is too small, ask us for a free quote!

1918

HAGLEYDECORATORS

● HIGH QUALITY ● LOW COST● FREE ESTIMATES

● NO JOB TOO SMALL07711 642 953 or 882575

D&S Allen, 28 Middlefield Lane, Hagley

9

Wychbury Residential Home350 Hagley Road Pedmore

Quality care and accommodation for the elderlyEstablished in 1983, Wychbury is a family run home set in extensive

landscaped gardens overlooking the Wychbury and Malvern hills.

● Single bedroom & bed-sit accommodation● All with en-suite facilities● Hairdressing salon● In-house entertainment / 12 seat minibus● Traditional home cooking

For further details or a brochure contact Rachel Davenportor Kim Cox on 01562 885106

Also at The Priory Residential HomeContact Debbie Pritchard (Droitwich) 01905 771595

ALL TYPES OF PLASTERING WORK

AND RENDERING

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Clean Reliable Work Guaranteed

Call Ian Prosser 07879 415343 ianprosser1@googlemail.com

2120

Dustpot Dazey’sCleaning Service

Fully Insured

Equipment and materials supplied

Flexible hours

For a quality cleaning service and free quote call:

Lisa on 0121 603 4884 or 07752 042370

2120

VILLAGE INFORMATION

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE OFFICE

We are in need of more volunteers to help in the Office. Quite simply this involves the use of the telephone, recording information on Client’s cards, and keeping a Daily Diary. There are always two on duty, so you would

not be working alone. The Office is open between 10am and 12 midday, Monday to Friday and most

volunteers cover a morning once a fortnight. If you feel you could help in this valuable service for Hagley Village, and would like

further information we should be pleased to hear from you, either by you calling into the

Office at St Saviour’s Church, or telephoning us on 886696 any weekday morning. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hagley Helpline Committee.

Hagley Gardeners’ Club June brought a long spell of dry weather that made regular watering a high priority.

Butterflies native to Britain was the theme of a superbly-illustrated talk by Roger Umpleby at our June meeting. The Wyre Forest is a national hotspot for certain rare species. In July we planned to visit a private garden in Wythall as previously announced

There will be a club outing on Saturday 4th August, going first to Evesham Country Park then on to Offenham Open Gardens. The coach will leave Hagley at 9.30 a.m. and set out back from Offenham at about 5 p.m. Tickets (£18 excluding lunch) from Gerry Bird 01384 372839. Visitors very welcome.

For a talk about conservatories and house plants we shall welcome to our meeting on 22nd August Philip Aubury, former director of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Philip will give us helpful tips about growing house plants and protecting them from pests.

Tickets for our annual Harvest/Ploughman’s supper on 26th September will be on sale at the July and August meetings at £7.50 per head.Contact Judy Iliff on 01562 883568

We meet at St Saviour’s Hall, 7.30 for 8 p.m., normally on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Chris Morrissey

2322

0789 46 42 406

2322

DO YOU WANT A NEW KITCHEN?OR EVEN A MAKEOVER?

(CHANGE JUST THE DOORS, WORKTOP, SINK AND TILES)

BUT YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO.....

WHY NOT GIVE US A TRY?IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU WANT, WE CAN DO IT:

PLASTERING, BUILDING WORK IF NECESSARY, DESIGN SERVICE.

ALL OF OUR CRAFTSMEN ARE FULLY QUALIFIED:WALL & FLOOR TILING, CORGI GAS FITTERS,

NIC/EIC APPROVED ELECTRICIANSFOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE PLEASE CONTACT:

www.matthewjameskitchens.co.uk Tel: 0121 602 3081Email: info@matthewjameskitchens.co.uk or 07970 892 317

2524

2524

WHAT’S ON IN HAGLEY? - AUGUST 2018

Dial a ride Hagley - Stourbridge Every MonHagley Playgroup Community Centre 9-12 noon Every MonHagley WIA summer tea party

Community Centre 2pm August 13th

Hagley Playgroup Community Centre 9-12 noon Every TuesString Orchestra Free Church Hall 10-12 noon Every TuesActive Seniors Community centre 1:45 & 3pm Every Tues Tues (shut

for late summer break Tuesday 28th August)

Tuesday Tea Club 2:30pm-4pm August 7th & 21s Active Seniors- Tai Chi Community Centre 4:30 –5:20pm Every Tues (shut for late

summer break Tuesday 28th August)

Historical & Field society St Saviours Church 8pm No MeetingLadies Afternoon fellowship Speaker: Martin Heathcock

Hagley Free Church 2:30pm August 28th

Dial a Ride Hagley – Merry Hill Every WedHagley Playgroup Community Centre 9-12 noon Every WedMothers & Toddlers group Free Church Hall 10-11:30am Every WedSt John’s Bellringers St Johns Church 6:45pm Every WedWestern Badminton Haybridge Sports Centre 8-10pm Every WedCoffee Morning St John’s 10:30am August 8th Walking for health group Hagley Library 10:15am August 8th, 22nd Gardener’s Club - Philip Aubury: A talk on conservatories and house plants

St Saviours Hall 7:15pm August 22nd

Story time Hagley Library 10:30-11am Every ThursHand of Friendship Free Church Hall 11 – 1:15pm Every ThursActive Seniors Community Centre 1:45pm: less challenging

class3:15pm: Slightly Challenging

Every Thurs (shut for late summer break Thursday 30th August)

Taekwondo Community Centre 6-9pm Every Thurs (shut for late summer break Thursday 30th August)

Dial a Ride Hagley – Kidderminster or Halesowen

Every Fri

Gardener’s Club A trip to Evesham Country Park and Offenham Open Gardens. Visitors very welcome

9:30am August 4th

Hagley Playgroup Community Centre 9 – 12noon Every FriHCK Badminton Hagley RC School 7-8pm Beginners

8-10pm MembersEvery Fri

Hagley Country Market Hagley Cafe 10 - 12:30pm August 10th Art Club - Terry Grazebrook - Talk “Designers you’ve never heard of but affect your everyday life”.

St Saviours Church 7:30pm August 10th

Taekwondo Haybridge Sports Centre 10-1pm Every Sat

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2726

A Taste of Milan The bubbles from the Prosecco Rustico, tickle my tongue and the suds gurgle towards my nose. This dry crisp Prosecco derives from the Nino Franco winery located in a town on the slopes of Prealps in the Vento region. Our guide relaxes opposite with a glass of water, attentively checking on our drinks. The weather has cleared up and we have opted for a seat outside, people watching on the main street of Milan Centre. As part of our tour a visit to this champagne bar is necessary, a stylish bar called Signorvino. This is the third establishment on our tour list.

The day began a few hours earlier, where we huddled outside a bakery in Milan, waiting for our tour guide to appear with a clipboard. Under her dark rimmed glasses, she greets us with a smile and begins her walking food tour of Milano. The first stop is Giovanni Cova & C, a little bakery just a short walk from the Metro Station. As we stroll through the doors, we’re greeted by rows of croissants, krapfen farcito (stuffed doughnuts) and Treccia sciroppo d’acero (pastry that has been suffocated in maple syrup). The golden glaze from the pastries catches my attention, and the smell of baking bread heightens my appetite. We sit down to a Cappuccino, an Italian Cream Puff and a

large slice of famous Pandolce Cake. The walls are dressed in a symmetrical royal blue pattern and a colourful mural of people eating bread covers the back wall.

The sweet cream with a hint of almond flavour inhabits my palate, as I tuck into the first bite of the Italian Cream Puff. A small cake that is filled with fresh cream that oozes out with just the first bite. Next, I try to tackle the large slice of Pandolce Cake, which is a famous Italian cake that is widely served during Christmas time. The texture is both dry and moist with several pieces of fruit mixed inside. Traditionally, young people would save a small olive twig cooked in the center and preserve it for luck. Two slices of the cake were saved for Christmas; one was given to a stranger passing by and the other eaten in honour of Saint Biagio on the 3rd of February. He was a protector of the throat and associated ailments.

Whilst battling with the typical Italian breakfasts, our guide delves into her life in Milano. She is a substitute history teacher as well as a tour guide; she talks about her struggles in being a teacher in Italy. As we are about to leave, I look up at see a large grid above my head that is covered in loaves of bread hanging from the ceiling. The lights dangle between the rolls, each one perfectly aligned. As we finish up our sweet treats, the waiter at the bar passes our guide a bright bubblegum bag, we move on to the next place.

Our guide takes us down the back streets of Milano, through quirky lanes and quaint rest spots. Passing through market stalls, fine dining, and shopping malls. Our next stop is the Pinacoteca di Brera, a gallery for public paintings, although we don’t enter the rooms, we walk to the main square of the museum. Greeting us in the courtyard is an exposed bronze copy of a Napoleon statue. Antonio Canova created this monumental sized statue representing Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker. However, Napolean didn’t like the statue, as he felt that it didn’t represent

2726

himself, so the statue spent some of its life hidden away. The figure is meant to represent peace, with a tall muscular man holding a figure of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, perched on an orb, firmly gripped in his left hand is his long staff. Mars, the Roman God of war is said to have brought peace, but unfortunately, the statue has no resemblance to the shorter Napoleon.

Before lunch, we pass through the Sforza Castle, a castle that was built in the 15th century on the remains of the 14th-century fortress. It was later renovated and enlarged in the 16th and 17th century. Originally the structure was built as a defensive castle, it has since been knocked down and built back up again, it now hosts galleries and museums within.

We wander a few lanes down from the castle and are introduced to a mozzarella bar called Obicà – Brera. The bar is empty and the three of us quietly walk inside. I position myself on a metal barstool at an industrial-inspired table with wheels. The waitress brings over five balls of mozzarella, on a bed of green leaves and tomatoes. The first mozzarella ball has an intense taste, the second has a delicate flavour, the third is smoked naturally

over straw embers, the fourth is a Ricotta Buffalo cheese and the fifth is a creamy Stracciatella cheese. The different flavours of cheese are intense, each

accompanied by a glass of prosecco and fresh bread.

The varying differences of the tastes are partly due to the various processing methods that have evolved over centuries. It also differs due to the difference in soil composition in different areas, which produce the grass that the buffalo herd eats. The Stracciatella cheese is created with a spun paste method creating a sweeter flavour and a creamier consistency.

I offer our guide a glass of prosecco and some cheese, she politely refuses and reveals the news that she is pregnant. “I bet your family is pleased”, I ask. A gravelled toned voice replied, “They are delighted. In Italian culture, it used to be the norm to have lots of children and big families. But nowadays the Italian’s worry that our population will die out with couples having fewer children. A lot of women are more career driven and big families aren’t something that they want any more”. After gulping down the last drop of prosecco, I start to feel slightly light headed. We start the journey to the main shopping district of Milan, to the bar Signorvino.

Inside, the bar is crowded with shelves of wine from all over the region, huddled next to each other waiting to be chosen. The bar is lined with barrels as tables and attentive waiters, waiting to be asked about the wine specials. The cigarette smoke floats in my direction, and the smell of tapas heighten the senses. Today is a bank holiday, the shopping district is lined with shoppers and the crowds of people blur the view of our next stop, the Cathedral.

As we bump past the tourists, the street sellers and the police we arrive at the cathedral in Milano Central Square. Security has been heightened as our bags are checked, just before we walk closer to get a better view. I notice a man trying to take his suitcase closer to the cathedral before the security asks him to open it up. The Cathedral is dedicated to St Mary and with its intricate details; it took almost six centuries to complete. The Cathedral is the tallest in Italy and is constructed using brick with Candoglia marble. The details of the architecture enhance the beauty of this Italian Gothic construction. Past the Cathedral is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is famous for its designer outlets. I gaze in excitement through the windows of these clothing legends. The only seven-star hotel is also located in this building, it’s priced at €1500 per night and upward. For this seven star status, the hotel has to be within an iconic structure that is of great value to the city and has to have more suites than rooms. We finish the tour in Italian tradition, with a traditional ice-cream whilst window shopping the hallways of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Our guide leaves the bubblegum bag of heart shaped cookies in our hands and wonders on to the metro. My stomach is full of good food and my knowledge of this city has undoubtedly evolved, I can still savour the taste of Milan.

For more travel stories visit: www.consumedbywanderlust.co.uk

2928

VILLAGE INFORMATION

At our Meeting on Friday, 10th August, Terry Grazebrook is coming to give a Talk “Designers you’ve never heard of but affect

your everyday life”. Sounds intriguing and should be very interesting.

Starting at the end of August we are again having a display of framed pictures in the Tea Rooms at Harvington Hall. There will also be unframed pictures for sale in their Shop. The display will be there from 29th August until the 7th January.

Looking ahead to September our visiting Artist will be Oliver Jones demonstrating The Art of Pastels.Anne Garth, 07975824100

ART CLUB

This summer is filled with events to keep all the family entertained at Artrix.

During the school holidays, families can enjoy Simple Politics on Wednesday 1st August, a fun and hilarious show for children aged 7+, to help make sense of how politics works. There’s another opportunity for children aged 5-10 to dance along to their favourite songs at an Artrix Bubble Disco and very young children can enjoy another of the ever-popular Baby Raves on Sunday 5th August. Half Moon Theatre Company returns with Young Herbert’s Horrors a swashbuckling pirate adventure on Tuesday 7th August.

Escape to the sunshine with a screening of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the sequel to the smash hit film, packed with Abba’s greatest hits on Friday 3rd to Saturday 11th August. Younger audiences should get their magnifying glasses at the ready, for screenings of Sherlock Gnomes from Thursday 26th July to Saturday 2nd August.

This August Bromsgrove audiences have the chance to see the vocal group, billed as ‘Big, Sexy and Unpredictable’. The Wild Tonics, as seen on BBC One’s talent show All Together Now will perform at Artrix on Friday 17th August.

Budding young performers who are at a loose end during the summer holidays, can get involved in Artrix Summer Schools, open to children aged from 6 to 18 years, throughout August. Each week-long course costs £100 per participant. Details of each summer school and all shows at Artrix can be found at www.artrix.co.uk or by calling Box Office on 01527 577330.

artrix, School Drive, BROMSGROVE, Worcestershire B60 1AXBROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC

AND COMEDY VENUE

2928

artrix, School Drive, BROMSGROVE, Worcestershire B60 1AXBROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC

AND COMEDY VENUE

3130

3130

VILLAGE INFORMATION

Hagley Theatre Group

The Youth Section are on their summer break from rehearsing hard for their next show, the musical ‘Half a Sixpence,’ to be performed on the 10th-13th

October 2018 at the Community Centre. This promises to be another wonderful show building on the successes of recent years including Les Miserables, Grease, Into the Woods and Sister Act. The original show of ‘Half of Sixpence,’ was first staged in London 1963, based on a novel by HG Wells, ‘Kipps:the Story of Simple Soul’. David Heneker wrote the music and lyrics for the stage musical intended to showcase the talents of Tommy Steele who later starred in the 1967 film version. A revised version of the show was produced in 2016, with a new book by Downton Abbey script writer, Julian Fellows, and new songs by George Stiles and Anthony Devere alongside revisions of Heneker’s original songs. If you would like tickets for this show (£10 (£8.00 concessions)) contact us on 07907 457217 or e mail (hagleytheatregroup@gmail.com). We are also on Instagram and Facebook (both; @hagleytheatregroup).

Tony Forrest

Hagley String OrchestraWe ended our Summer Term on Tuesday 10 July playing the widely contrasting mixture of Telemann, Prokofiev, Tomkins, Puccini and Pleyel. The previous week we were brave enough to attempt Andrew Downes String Quartet No. 1 with the composer present. This is such a demanding and exciting jazzy work, and, as always, Andrew was most encouraging.

Over the last year, three violinists and two viola players have joined us which has been great. There is still plenty of room in Hagley Free Church Hall for a larger orchestra. An Academic Year having just finished, I wonder if there are string players who now find themselves free on Tuesday mornings 10.00 a.m. – 12.00 Noon. Our dates for the coming Autumn Term (we try to link with LEA dates) are Tuesday 04 September to 04 December, omitting Half Term on Tuesday 30 October.

As always, we’ve got an eclectic programme, including JS Bach’s D minor Piano Concerto with soloist Tony Bridgewater, an unusual adaptation of Haydn’s ‘London’ Symphony for flute and strings, works by Dvořák, Mozart and Sibelius, and a Serenade by William Lloyd Webber, father to Andrew and Julian. Enjoyment is promised; please join us.

More information from Haydn Thomas 01562 885 252; sanhay50@gmail.com

Jeremy PattersonConductor

3332

Hagley Gas(Ex British Gas)

For all your gas and plumbing needs

● Boiler Installation

● Central Heating Upgrades

● Fires & Cookers Installed

● Servicing & Breakdowns

● Landlord Certificates

● Power Flush

● General Plumbing

● Bathroom Installation

Call Alan for a free quote on

07931-583080 OR 01562 911378

Easy ParkingHome Visits Now Available

3332

VILLAGE NEWS

Hagley Historical and Field Society We have no meeting in August so our next meeting at St Saviour’s Church Hall is on Tuesday 4th September at 8.00pm when we will have

a presentation by Ned Williams entitled “The Earl of Dudley’s Railway”. Ned is the author of a book of the same title and has visited us on a number of previous occasions and always been very entertaining.

In 1829, while George Stephenson was building his “Rocket,” the Earl of Dudley was already running his pioneering Black Country railway linking his collieries with the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. This 40 mile industrial network, centered on the Earl’s Round Oak Iron Works at Brierley Hill, ran under steam until 1962 and still continued until the Round Oak Steel Works closed in 1980. Visitors are most welcome at all our events – see hhfs.org.uk for details and contacts.

Jeff Cope

Village LadiesI have now come to the end of my first year as Leader of the Village ladies group as we are having a summer break until the new year starts with Registration and social evening on Tuesday 11th September.

The advertising campaign for new members has resulted in us increasing our numbers by one third with 21 new members joining us and we are delighted to have them, we just hope they come back in September !!

Thank you for all the support I have received from the committee and the membership for making this year so successful and enjoyable, I am really looking forward to the New Year

Anyone who would like to join us come along on the 11th September 7.45 for 8pm at St.Saviours Church Hall when we sign up for the next year, a social evening with coffee and members’ memories. All new members welcome.

We have an exciting new programme covering subjects to suit all together with our usual Christmas shopping trip in November and an outing in the summer yet to be decided.

For further details you can contact me on 885799

Sue Billington

3534

3534

Hagley Financial Planning LtdIndependent Financial AdvisersSituated in the grounds of Hagley Hall, we are a long established, small firm of independent financial advisers, offering

independent financial advice on all aspects of personal and corporate financial planning.

We specialise in investments and retirement solutions, but whether you are moving home,

planning for your retirement or planning your estate, we aim to offer individually

tailored, ethical advice.

Our initial confidential consultation is without charge.

20 Hagley Hall Mews, Hagley Hall, Hall Lane,Hagley, Worcestershire DY9 9LQ

01562 887962H@Hagleyfinancial.co.uk

Hagley Financial Planning Ltd is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

3736

3736

VILLAGE NEWS

HAGLEY W.I.Our WI offers a great opportunity to make new friends or connect with existing ones in a friendly environment whilst learning new skills and listening to interesting talks.

We were recently entertained by Rosemary Prosser with her ‘Farmyard Tales’ – some hilariously amusing, others rather sobering. She also spoke about Lyme Disease – a potentially very serious condition borne by ticks, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and which is becoming increasingly common.

Socialising + food is always popular and members have enjoyed a lunch at Barnt Green Cricket Club – delicious as always – and a lunch at the Holt Fleet where the speaker was Peter Nardone of Worcester Cathedral – countertenor, organist, choirmaster and composer.

We are having a Summer Tea Party on Monday 13 August and at the following meeting on Monday 10 September we will have a talk about the Worcestershire WI Collection of Crafts and see the beautiful and varied crafts. We also have optional monthly groups – a craft group and an informal lunch at local pubs and restaurants

We have a varied programme to cater to our members’ interests and new members and visitors are always welcome at our meetings – the second Monday of the month at 2.00 pm in the Community Centre. We look forward to seeing you! And if you would like further information, do contact me – 01384 371999.

Rosie Wynne

HAGLEY COUNTRY MARKETThe Market will be held at Hagley Café

on Friday 10th AugustFrom 10.00 – 12.30

Come along and support local producers.We sell homemade items such as cakes, preserves, honey and more.

Many thanks.

3938

01562 742545

The Curtain Studio

For more information 01386 861981 / 07791 676387

or Email: suegolf@hotmail.co.uk

Specialists in design and soft furnishings.

From period to contemporary, commercial to domestic.

We offer a design & fitting service that includes all soft

furnishings, curtains, cushions and accessories.

Established for 40 years we offer a friendly & professional service.

3938

4140

InspirationsH A I R S A L O N

The Art Of Style

Tel; 01562 882295

143/145 Worcester Rd, Hagley, DY9 0QL

StormDamage

Tile & Slaterepairs

Call: for a free estimate S. OrmeThe Rock, Tandys Lane, DY10 4NG

mob: 07518 363151

ORME’SRoofing Specialist

All types of roofing work including* re-roofing * new roofs * flat roofs *

* UPVc fascias, soffits & guttering *& all types of roof maintenance.

4140

VILLAGE INFORMATION

Breaking News...Due to increased demand we are thinking of starting a new Tai Chi for Health beginners class on Thursday

afternoons 4.40- 5.30pm at the Community Centre.

Our Tuesday afternoon class has proved to be very popular and it is because of this and the continued interest in the class that we have decided to see what interest there might be on Thursday afternoon.

We are going to run a free taster session on Thursday 9th August so we can see what demand there might be so if you are interested do give us a call to book a slot to try it out.

Sun Style Tai Chi is the youngest style of tai chi and dates back to 1861! Tai Chi for Health is a modernised and adapted form incorporating medical science to deliver health benefits. It helps to build muscle strength, increase flexibility, improve bone health by increased weight bearing, improve circulation and balance. Most people find it very relaxing too.

If there is enough demand then we will run the class on an ongoing basis.

If you would like any more details then please give us a call on 07512 546480

Please note all Active Seniors classes shut for late summer break Tuesdays 28th August and 4th September and Thursdays 30th August and 6th September.

Active seniors

The summer term has been very busy for all units making the best of the glorious weather and spending most evenings outside and going away on Camp and pack holidays,1st Hagley Rainbows and 3rd Hagley Brownies have been working on the International Badge carrying out activities from different countries within the five regions, building the Eiffel Tower and leaning tower of Pisa out of spaghetti and marshmallows, poi dancing, creating Cherry Blossom pictures and Tree walks round Hagley Village and Hagley Hall. The Highlight of the badge was a Calypso band workshop and finishing the

term with a Brazilian Carnival.1st Hagley and 2nd Hagley Rainbows both went on the Severn Valley Railway for the Rainbow County day which was a very tiring day, pond dipping, walks in the forest and crafts outside.2nd Hagley Rainbow have been working on the roundabout get healthy Badge by looking at healthy eating, yoga, bluebell walk and scavenger hunt.Several of the units have carried out World Cup Nights, Royal wedding nights decorating cakes and making wedding dresses and gained the vote 100 Badge talking about women’s right to vote and the suffragettes movement.2nd Hagley guides have been away on two camps Alton towers and Beaudesert and 1st Hagley Guides have been to Blackwell Court – the girls did a variety of activities including low ropes, high ropes, water games, patrol challenges and cooking, the Senior Section went on a hammock Camp.3rd Hagley and 2nd Hagley went away to Astley Burf – the girls did archery, high ropes, climbing wall and team building. As the weather was so hot in the afternoon we had great fun doing water activities. I must mention the seven guides from 2nd Hagley Guides and one from 1st who have achieved the Baden Powell award the highest award a Guide can achieve, I looked through their folders which were excellent, and I could see how much work had gone into them.Lastly, I would like to thank all the leaders for everything they do and how we are looking forward to using the new programme in September.Fiona Drewett DC Walton DistrictFiona DrewettDistrict Commissioner

4342

4342

every carpet tells a story . . .

Green Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1JFTel: 01562 820821 Fax: 01562 825069 www.rowecarpets.com

Suppliers of all major brands including: Abingdon, Adam Carpets, Alternative Flooring, Brockways, Cavalier, Cormar, Crucial Trading, Hugh Mackay, Karndean, Mr Tomkinson, Ryalux,

Ulster, Victoria Carpets, Jacaranda and many more….

alternative flooring

Unsurpassed Domestic Oven Cleaning

We only use non-caustic, fume free solutions.

Ovens ● Hobs ● Extractors ● Microwaves ● Agas

0845 539 1500www.ovenzing.com

4544

Havana good time! Thank you to everyone who came to the James Bond Havana Ball and a massive thank you to our sponsors, Darmill Plumbing and Design as well as our volunteer team, Rachel Jenkins, Heather Farmer, Laura Hamilton, Alison Adderley (and husband Jason who was roped in to compere!). Also to Chris at K-Clean who donated £200 of spa vouchers for our raffle. Around 120 people attended the event at the Kidderminster Town Hall decorated beautifully by our team, with help from Julie at Hagley Flowers. The fun casino meant we could have flutter without risking our mortgages and the live band got everyone on their feet at some point of the evening to take part in the salsa lesson run by Paul (who teaches salsa at West One every week.)

Money raisedHowever, at the time of going this goes to print we can’t announce if/how much money was raised for the Community Centre and our charity we pledge to support (Leslie’s Care Packages) as we haven’t closed the online silent auction yet – it’s due to end on 8th July, so fingers crossed!

In the meantime I’d like to help local charity Leslie’s Care Packages with a drive for provisions for homeless people. As a community centre it would be fantastic to help our wider local community as well as our own residents and support the amazing lady Vi Wood who runs it.

Vi goes out in all weathers to help our homeless people from all walks of life who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing real hardship. She spends a lot of time making up care packages with her team of helpers and distributing them to all kinds of people with housing problems who may be on the street due to domestic violence issues, mental health problems, austerity measures, problems finding work and affordable housing.

Helping the homelessIf you think you can help her please email me Contactme@francescaevans.com and I will pass your offers of money/help/provisions onto this lady. She always needs non perishable goods such as rice, pasta, coffee, UHT milk, gravy, tinned fish and veg, biscuits, spaghetti for example plus toiletries for men and women including sanitary products. She’s an amazing woman who goes above and beyond to help homeless people in the local area.

Can you help?For anyone interested there are pictures and videos on our website www.lovehagley.co.uk and the Kidderminster Town Hall Facebook page. I’ll be stepping down from fundraising for HCA for a while at least to concentrate on other projects so if anyone else is helping out and spending dedicated time every week to supporting a local cause, do let me know via the Love Hagley Facebook group as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,Fran Evans

4544

4746

Part P NICEIC Domestic Installer

New build, extensions, additions, diagnos-tics, fault repairs and re-wires.

All domestic electrical works, security sys-tems and CCTV installations.

Domestic, commercial and industrial work undertaken

Call us on: 07886 337094 or 01562 700546

Email: matt.boneham@nobleelectricalltd.co.uk

Web: www.nobleelectricalltd.co.uk

4746

01562 885211

4948

IMPROVING YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE AT HOME

WHY NOT FIND OUT MORE?Call now on 01562 547005 for your FREE survey

www.chapterlivingsolutions.co.uk

• We make your home safe and designed for you to enjoy

• We offer independent living solutions including:- stairlifts, bathroom conversions, specialist chairs and beds

• From FREE home survey to on-going 24/7 support we are a local company that is here for you

4948

5150

DEADLINESFor both advertisements & editorial copy the deadline for submission: BEFORE NOON ON 1ST OF PRECEDING MONTHi.e. before noon June 1st for July edition.

Adverts must be in the following format:• minimum 300dpi .jpeg or .pdf• 1/8 page -Sizes 4.6 x 6.4cm (hxw)• ¼ page – Size 9.2 x 6.4 cm(hxw) – portrait or 4.6 x12.8cm (hxw)-landscape• ½ page – Size 9.2 x12.8cm (hxw) Payment in full must be made with submission of copy, a small charge may be made for any midterm alterations.Send all adverts to: advertising@hagleyvillage.orgTel: 07527 226383

ADVERTISING

Editorial may be reproduced on the village website

HAGLEY VILLAGE NEWS

Advertising and Editorial Contributions

Terms and Conditions

5150

ARTRIX: Rosie Hamilton, School Drive, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 1AX 01527 577330BLAKEDOWN AND HAGLEY TENNIS CLUB: www.blakedownhagleytennis.co.uk 883774CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION: Katie Gall , 8 Newfield Road, Hagley DY9 0JP 886374FREE CHURCH: Martin Heathcock, 6 Hawthorn Coppice, Hagley DY9 0PE 884677FRIENDS OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH: Judith Whitehouse, 30 Newfield Road, Hagley, DY9 0JR 884724HAGLEY ART CLUB: Sue Merrill, 4 Waterworks Cottages, Stourbridge Road, DY10 3NX 700078HAGLEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL: Mr B McArdle, Brake Lane, Hagley, DY8 2XL 883193HAGLEY COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA: Cynthia Downes, 2 Church Street, Hagley, DY9 0NA 886625, 07564 276404HAGLEY COUNTRY MARKETS: Mrs J Waine, 32 Lychgate Avenue, Pedmore, DY9 0TS 882255HAGLEY CRICKET CLUB: Steve Plant, Neil Hurst, 56 Winds Point, Hagley DY9 9BM 07834 157035HAGLEY GARDENERS CLUB, Sue Stevens, 4 Willow End, Pedmore DY9 7JP 01384 372914 HAGLEY GUIDES, BROWNIES, RAINBOWS: Fiona Drewett 701055HAGLEY HELPLINE: Monday to Friday, 10.00 a.m. - 12 noon 886696HAGLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN: Vanessa Payne, Park Road, Hagley DY9 0PX 883280HAGLEY RAMBLER SCOUTS: Sue Corlett, 40 Summervale Road , Hagley DY9 0LX 886181HAGLEY STRING ORCHESTRA - Haydn Thomas, 39 Summervale Road , Hagley 885252HAGLEY THEATRE GROUP: Sue Dean, 38 Kidderminster Road , Hagley DY9 0QD 884906HAGLEY WI: Irene Oliver, Rous Lench, Brake Lane, Hagley, DY8 2XW 885964HAND OF FRIENDSHIP: Mrs Jean Deacy 30 Sweetpool Lane , Hagley DY8 2XE 885760HARTBEEPS: Carly Birchell 07977450513HAYBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL: Joanne Stanley, Brake Lane, Hagley DY8 2XS 886213HEARTSTART - Bromsgrove & District: J Hancox, 4 Middlefield Lane, Hagley, DY9 0PX 883832HCK BADMINTON: Keith Price, 45 Manor Lane, Halesowen B62 8PZ 07815 650718HISTORICAL & FIELD SOCIETY: Jeff Cope, 11 Sweetpool Lane , Hagley DY8 2XH 884820LITTLE KICKERS David Homer, 1 Junepole Drive, Hagley DY8 3XU 07545 236917PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL: St Saviours Church, 1 Park Road, Hagley DY9 0NS 886363PLAYGROUP: S Gould, 40 Lodge Crescent , Hagley DY9 0NB 882433PROBUS CLUB: A Hardwick, Charlton Meadow, Charlton, Hartlebury, DY11 7YE 01299 250937PSI SPORTS: P. Hanson, 144 Worcester Road, DY9 0NR , Hagley DY9 0NR 07966 644762ROTARY CLUB: David Dewhirst, 6 Trehernes Drive, Pedmore 07966 116612ROYAL BRITISH LEGION : Helen Roberts 01384 378934, 07962980446RUGBYTOTS: Katie Barton 0345 313 0406TAEKWONDO SCHOOLS: John Swift, 47 Land Oak Drive, Kidderminster, DY10 2ST 827437TUESDAY TEA CLUB: Sue Baker, 8 Hagley Close DY9 9LP 885347UNIVERSITY OF THIRD AGE: Andrea Price 700448VILLAGE LADIES: Sue Billington, 23, Lodge Crescent 885799WEST HAGLEY FOOTBALL CLUB: Annette Malanaphy, 11 The Parklands, Pedmore, DY9 7JT 01384 396502WESTERN BADMINTON CLUB – Neville Smart, Hagley Sports Centre, Brake Lane , Hagley DY8 2XS 883433WESTGLEN CANINE CENTRE: Mark Collins, 113 Walter Nash Road West, Kidderminster 01384 637085WYRE FOREST NATIONAL TRUST: Mrs M Fernihough 28 Milestone Drive, Hagley DY9 0LW 883460

ST. JOHN’S & ST. SAVIOUR’S: Tony Battersby St Saviour’s Church, 1 Park Road DY9 0NS 886363ST JOHNS HAND & TOWER BELLRINGERS: Richard Scarth 1 Clent Drive,Hagley DY9 9LN 07768 273545HAGLEY PARISH COUNCIL CLERK: Mrs Alex Burkes, 74a Worcester Road , Hagley, DY9 0NJ 886239LOCAL M.P.: Sajid Javid - Constituency Office 01527 872135HAGLEY (& FURLONGS) COUNTY COUNCILLOR (CLENT HILLS DIVISION): Karen May 07818 085140 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FOR HAGLEY WEST: Steve Colella 882996DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FOR HAGLEY EAST: Councillor Rachel Jenkins 07974 257172HAGLEY POLICE STATION: 0300 333 3000CRIME STOPPER LINE (CONFIDENTIAL) Freephone 0800 555111HAGLEY LIBRARY: 01905 822722DIAL A RIDE 0121 453 9682HAGLEY MEDICAL PRACTICE: Fax Line 887185 881700

HAGLEY VILLAGE DIRECTORY OF AFFILIATED CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Advertising and Editorial Contributions

Terms and Conditions

TOP 6 SUMMER READS

THE WANDERING VINE Nina Caplan follows the vine into the past, wandering from Champagne's ancient chalk to the mountains of Campania, via the crumbling Roman ruins that flank the river Rhône and the remote slopes of Priorat in Catalonia.

Lucy and Gabe meet in New York on a day that will change their lives – and the world – forever. As the city burns behind them, they kiss for the very first time.  Over the next thirteen years they are torn apart, then brought back together, time and time again. 

2003. Singapore. Friendless and fatherless, sixteen-year-old Szu lives in the shadow of her mother Amisa, once a beautiful actress and now a hack medium performing séances with her sister in a rusty house. When Szu meets the privileged, acid-tongued Circe, they develop an intense friendship which offers Szu an escape from her mother’s alarming solitariness, and Circe a step closer to the fascinating, unknowable Amisa.

An isolated Swedish town.  A deaf reporter terrified of nature.  A dense spruce forest overdue for harvest.  A pair of eyeless hunters found murdered in the woods. It’s week one of the Swedish elk hunt and the sound of gunfire is everywhere. When Tuva Moodyson investigates the story that could make her career she stumbles on a web of secrets that knit Gavrik town together. 

One very ordinary day, Maya Flowers sees a new commuter board her train to London, and suddenly the day isn't ordinary at all. Maya knows immediately and irrevocably, that he is The One.  Eventually, though, inspired by a very wise friend, Maya plucks up the courage to give the stranger a note asking him out for a drink. After all, what's the worst that can happen?

BY NINA CAPLAN

THE LIGHT WE LOSTJILL SANTOPOLO

PONTISHARLENE TEO

DARK PINES WILL DEAN

THE NOTEZOË FOLBIGG

PRETEND I'M DEADMona—almost 24, cleaning houses to get by, emotionally adrift. Handing out clean needles to drug addicts, she falls for a recipient who proceeds to break her heart in unimaginable ways Always just under the surface are her memories of growing up in a chaotic, destructive family from which she’s trying to disentangle herself. JEN BEAGIN